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Dopamine/glutamate interactions in Parkinson's disease
K W Lange1, J Kornhuber, P Riederer
1Department of Neuropsychology and Behavioural Neurobiology, University of Freiburg, Germany.
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
|July 1, 1997
Summary
Glutamate antagonists show promise in treating Parkinson's disease symptoms like akinesia and may slow disease progression. These compounds, including NMDA receptor antagonists, offer neuroprotection and potential therapeutic benefits for Parkinsonian crises.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Parkinson's disease involves exacerbated tonic inhibition by basal ganglia output structures.
- The subthalamic nucleus's excitatory impact contributes to akinesia in parkinsonism.
- Increased subthalamic nucleus efferent activity is observed in Parkinson's patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the potential of glutamate antagonists in treating Parkinson's disease.
- To investigate the role of NMDA receptor-mediated events in MPTP neurotoxicity.
- To identify potential neuroprotective agents for Parkinson's disease.
Main Methods:
- Review of studies on subthalamic nucleus lesions and their effects on akinesia.
- Analysis of receptor binding studies in Parkinson's patients.
- Examination of systemic glutamate antagonist administration in animal models.
- Evaluation of NMDA receptor antagonist effects against MPTP toxicity.
Main Results:
- Subthalamic nucleotomy or pallidotomy may be effective neurosurgical treatments.
- Glutamate antagonists demonstrate anti-akinetic effects in animal models.
- NMDA receptor antagonists show neuroprotective effects against MPTP toxicity.
- Several existing anti-parkinsonian drugs act as NMDA receptor antagonists.
Conclusions:
- Glutamate antagonists may retard Parkinson's disease progression and improve symptoms.
- NMDA receptor antagonism is a viable therapeutic strategy for Parkinson's disease.
- Glutamate antagonists are beneficial for treating akinetic parkinsonian crisis.